The year 2004 might not have produced masterpieces but it was a great year for performances. And for every good performance nominated, there will be several significant misses.

My gut feeling is that The Aviator will get the maximum nominations, perhaps 10 including the ones for technical achievements; Ray could come next with 6; Sideways and Million Dollar Baby could each get 5 including the adapted screenplay category. The medium-range success Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind may also get nominations for original screenplay and best actress.

Dark horses? The House Of Flying Daggers, Closer and Kinsey.

Below is my list of possible nominations.